Checking Vitamin D Levels is Recommended for Patients with Bipolar or Schizophrenic Symptoms

Several studies show an association between schizophrenia and low levels of vitamin D. To date, there are only few studies about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with bipolar disorder. The scientists responsible for this study conducted in the Netherlands aimed to show that vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorders than among the general Dutch population. Most studies have been conducted with hospitalized patients but this study only included outpatients.

The results of this study showed that vitamin D deficiency was 4.7 times more common among those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder than among the Dutch general population. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, the researchers believe that outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder should be considered at risk of having low levels of vitamin D. Annual measurement of vitamin D levels in psychiatric outpatients with these disorders seems to be justified to maintain bone health, muscle strength, and to prevent osteoporosis.